IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 24, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 8

DELPHOS.—Since my last report I have had a series of meetings at Clearfield with but little interest. At Sharp, Taylor Co., I spent about two weeks. The labor at this place seemed timely, and I left this little company of good courage in the work. Six took their stand, and encouraged them to live the truth of the third angel’s message, making a company of eighteen who will now meet for Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school. I am now at Delphos, Ringgold Co., where I shall commence a series of meetings as soon as the weather will permit. R. C. Porter. Feb. 10.

DENMARK, LEE CO.—We closed our tent meetings at this place Oct. 24. Opposition to our work was fierce and determined from the first; but the attendance was good to the last. Sold books to the amount of about $15, and with the help of Eld. Hare obtained nine names for the Signs of the Times, and ten for the Instructor. Ten have embraced the truth, and many others believe we are right and in favor of the doctrine taught, some of whom we expect will yet obey the Lord and be saved.

At the close of these meetings, word was sent to know if we would meet Eld. D. B. Ray, editor of the Baptist Flag, St. Louis, Mo., on the Bible and law questions, and the nature of man. This resulted in a debate, which commenced Nov. 21, and closed Nov. 28. Six sessions were held. The first two were two hours in length, the other four hours each, the speakers occupying a half hour alternately. The discussion was held in the church, and was well attended.

Eld. Ray is a man of more than ordinary ability, and a man of much experience in public life; but his arguments against the truth were not new to me. They were nearly the same as those usually brought against us on such occasions. He would not confine himself to the two questions that the people wanted to hear; viz., the Sabbath and the nature of man, but offered two propositions, as follows: “Resolved, That the Baptist church

with which D. B. Ray stands identified, are churches of Christ.” This question he of course would affirm, and wished me to deny, which I would not do. The next question was, “Resolved, That the Seventh-day Adventist churches, with which C. A. Washburn stands identified, are churches of Jesus Christ.” This question I affirmed and he denied. He gave me liberty to present before the people the points of our faith that to him seemed most objectionable, which opportunity he did not fail to improve.

By accepting the above proposition, I could obtain a division of time with him; otherwise he had announced to give a series of sermons against Adventism.

Those who had embraced the truth were confirmed in the investigation, and four or five signed the covenant after the close of the debate. The truth gained many friends, who now advocate the cause of present truth, take the Signs, and help us by donations. Eld. R. left the last argument on the final overthrow of sin and the destruction of the wicked, almost entirely unanswered; cheers from the audience at the last session and at other times showed that the people appreciated the argument in favor of Bible truth.

After the discussion we have attended the church quarterly meeting in Mt. Pleasant, and one week after the quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 4, held at the same place. During these meetings five united with this church, one of whom is subject to baptism. This church seems to be prospering. Members are being added, and spirituality is on the increase. A neat and commodious house of worship has been erected during the past season, with a seating capacity for nearly three hundred. J. S. Washburn has assisted in all the above meetings. C. A. WASHBURN.

DEC. 12 AND 13.—Since the State meeting I visited the churches in the above districts. Was at Algona Dec. 26-29. The brethren seem to be working in harmony. They have a comfortable house of worship. The sisters have canvassed the place for “Sunshine” and the Signs.

Was at Ruthven Jan. 3, 4. Meetings here are three miles in the country. The weather was stormy, so that we only held two. The ordinances were celebrated, and the business of the quarter attended to. This church takes the lead in these parts in tithing. They are all Scandinavians here, and none are wealthy, yet they paid into the church treasury over $350 during the past year.

Was at Sheldon Jan. 7-11. Removals have made this church small, though they still hold regular meetings. A few came to our meetings who were not of our faith. The brethren there are anxious to have the truth presented in the country by Sheldon, where there seems to be an interest.

From the 12th to the 19th I was at Trimello. The meetings were held in a country school-house each evening, with a good outside interest considering the cold and stormy weather. The church are in harmony, and are doing some missionary work. There are young men in this church who could be used as canvassers and workers in the cause, one of whom has decided to give himself to the work as soon as he can arrange home matters. The effort bestowed here in favorable weather would doubtless result in some good.

On Jan. 20, 21 I was at Spencer. But few remain in this church. Regular meetings are held at Rasmussen’s, ten miles from Spencer. Held meetings, celebrated the ordinances, and organized a tract society of seven members. After remarks on tithing, all pledged to give the Lord his own. The Lord came near by his Spirit, and the brethren seemed much encouraged.

On Jan. 22-26 I spent at Milford. Meetings here are held eight miles in the country. Found some good brethren here who love the truth. They have been laboring under trial for some time, which has brought discouragement upon some. Efforts were made to right existing wrongs, and it is hoped that confidence and union may soon be restored. One person was received into the church.

On Jan. 28 to Feb. 5 I was with the church at Forest City. Held nine meetings, celebrated the ordinances, and held a business meeting of the church. It was found necessary in a few cases to administer church discipline, in order to correct, if possible, existing evils. The various phases of the work as they were considered, met quite a hearty response from the brethren present. Some who had not previously fully understood the tithing system promised henceforth not to rob God; and others expect to give not only a tithe, but in the near future themselves also.

Came to Nora Springs Feb. 5. Have held five public meetings. On account of two other meetings in progress, and cold weather, and also a lack of interest, the attendance has been small. There are only five keeping the Sabbath here, but they have regular meetings and a Sabbath-school. Through the efforts of one sister, especially, the children of Baptists, German-Methodists, Christians, Spiritualists, non-professors, and even Catholics, have been induced to come to the Sabbath-school, until the present membership is forty, ranging from five to sixteen years of age. They are taught the lessons in the Instructor and question books, and seem really interested in studying the Bible. Contributions from the children pay for twenty copies of the Instructor.

Have sold on this trip over $40 worth of books. Nearly every English-speaking family in these churches has the REVIEW and Vol. IV. of “Great Controversy.” I hope to see the brethren in this part of the State taking hold in all parts of the work, and thus show their love for the truth. To-day my wife and I go to Algona, which is our permanent address. Our health is good, and we enjoy a measure of God’s blessing, for which we feel grateful. IRA J. HANKINS.